001 | video | open post

[handing]

[Pepper has been there a week now, largely trying to orient herself, to make contact with the assorted people from her world, and to keep Tony from completely sealing himself down in the basement lab. But in reflection it all seems like so little, particularly from the perspective of someone who is used to the demands of running an industry-leading international corporation. She already wants to do more, but being neither a combatant nor scientifically-gifted makes the options a little less clear.

At least until Tony starts complaining about the pamphlets.

A few days and lots of consideration later, Pepper starts the video on her phone about mid-morning. She's in what appears to be an office, though for her it's a temporary setting. She ultimately doesn't know exactly what resources will be required, just that it's better not to pose her proposal from Tony's workshop or their personal room. She smiles politely, with all the confidence of someone who has been the focus of countless press conferences before (usually for much more frustrating reasons).]

Good morning, everyone. My name is Pepper Potts, and about a week ago I arrived here in Wonderland. First, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who helped answer my questions about this place. It's definitely not easy to take in. And on that note, I'd also like to talk about this.

[She holds up the pamphlet for the camera to see.] Whoever originally wrote it had a very good idea. [Even if it's far from the most professional thing Pepper's seen in her life.] I don't know if that person is still here, but I'm hoping to take this idea further. It's definitely important to have these brochures for people who aren't familiar with the phones, but since we do have the technology available, it might be wise to create a digital version of the pamphlet. This will allow the information presented to be fleshed out in terms of missing details, and potentially also include things like a map of the area. Accessibility can also be improved in this manner; for example, providing an audible version of the file for people who couldn't read it for whatever reason.

In that vein, I'm hoping people will be willing to contribute details they think might be important for inclusion in this file. What more do you think newcomers to Wonderland need to know beyond what's written here? I've got some rough ideas already, but it never hurts to be certain. Or if someone is already working on all of this, would you mind getting in touch? I've got a bit of specialized technology from my home that can make completing it a bit easier.

[JARVIS being the amazing program that he is.]

I'd also like to ask if anyone from the group setting up the history of Wonderland is still present. I'd like to contribute to the project however I can. [Proactive and useful, as the pamphlet says.] And on a personal note, could someone direct me to the person or group in charge of the gallery? I think discovering it yesterday might have actually made my day, so, thank you.

And thanks to the rest of you for your time and attention.

[There, the feed ends.]

Comments

[anomaliiiiies]

I'll be willing to help with the pamphlet, Pepper.

[handing]

Oh, thank you Jane.  [Although Pepper’s a little concerned that the issue with technical terms may arise again; she’s already having trouble translating Tony’s science talk to more commonly known phrasing.]  Was there anything specific you wanted to help with?

[anomaliiiiies]

[Unlike Tony, Jane can speak reasonable layperson English. She had to learn when she acquired a poli sci major for an intern.]

I can translate Tony's speak, and Darcy can make sure anyone else can understand it.

[handing]

Oh, well. That's actually very helpful. [And addresses the very problem she'd been worried about. It's definitely a positive.] Great. One of the major issues is making the available technology more accessible for those who know nothing about it, so hopefully we can accomplish that.

[crux_ofmylife]

I'd be willing to help you.

I'm Harry, by the way.

[handing]

That’s very considerate, Harry.  Thank you.
 
What areas were you looking to help with?  At this point I think making sure the information is accurate and complete might be paramount, but there could be things I haven’t foreseen.

[camebefore]

While I haven't been here long enough to help you much with your project, I am interested in seeing the final product. My one question is how will you explain this to people who are from time eras where things like these devices don't exist? Will there be on-screen instructions that say 'touch here to begin' or something?

[His face show curiosity given that the first device Wonderland gave him confused Hannibal horribly. To be taught how to use one without someone looming over him has advantages.]

[handing]

That's definitely a possibility, although keeping the paper pamphlets available would also be wise. It could be beneficial to come up with a walk-through either way.

[After all, Pepper's met more than one person from eras that pre-date smartphones.]

The trick is making sure it's written with an assumption of zero-experience in mind. I'm personally very used to technology like this, so it's possible I could gloss over certain details without realizing.

[camebefore]

Yes, it would be. Some are inherently distrustful of technology. At least they were in my time. There were those who felt it would lead to a downfall of humanity.

[He would be glad of it. He often gets looks that say he must be an idiot for not knowing how to use the more complex ones.]

With that I may be able to assist you. It wouldn't help if someone throws it into the ocean in a fit of anger at it.

[handing]

Well, there are definitely debates still going on in regards to how far we should go with technology. Privacy is certainly one of them. That's why I don't think the file should be automatically downloaded to the phones. [Something she fully believes JARVIS would be capable of.

Then she catches herself, grinning a bit.] The file would be the version of the pamphlet on the phone. And downloading is the process of getting it there.

[Since yes, she's gotten the idea that she's speaking to someone unfamiliar with the devices.]

No, that wouldn't help much at all. Although I do have to warn you, even being familiar with the phones might not curb that urge. Even the best technology might not always work the way you'd like it to, and some of the features of these phones are apparently randomly activated at times.

video;

[onsilksheets]

I'm curious about something. What did you do for a living back home?

Re: video;

[handing]

[Pepper chuckles softly at that.] I was the CEO of Stark Industries, a global leader in technological advancements. [Her professional calling card out of the way, she gives the camera a wry grin.] Although given what I've learned about Wonderland, that may translate to one of the more useless professions.

[onsilksheets]

That's impressive. [And she was being sincere with that too.] Well, I don't think being a CEO can really prepare a person for this kind of place.

Saying that, even people who are used to this kind of situation can still find themselves overwhelmed.

[choosesfate]

An important thing to add might be where you could get one of those pamphlets.

[ Belle might have had explanations from people that she's met but having extra reading material didn't hurt, especially if it had more information in it ]

[handing]

[She picks up on the question there, and Pepper smiles.]

You can have this one if you'd like. I've already got the information from it documented. As for where they can be generally found, it almost seems random. I haven't run across one myself. Someone I know did, however.

[choosesfate]

I wasn't even aware that there was one. No one mentioned one to me.

[ Maybe everyone that she knows doesn't know about it either ]

Where should I pick it up from?

[pottershotter]

Oh! I've actually been working on a map for a little while now! It's not done yet though - things keep happening here and it keeps getting shoved down the list of priorities, but I'd be glad to help with that. I've definitely got a complete map of the Mirror Side of Wonderland finished though, so there's that at least.

[His main priorities have been more along the lines of figuring out how to preserve their memories and how to get out, but he still pokes at the map now and then. With Sirius and even Lily around, he's sure he could get that finished more quickly if needed.]

Also, unfortunately, I've got the distinguished honor of being one of the people who's been stuck here the longest, so if there's any information you need, I can try and help there.

[handing]

Considering some of the things I've heard, that's understandable. We've actualy been able to make progress on the map already, thanks to some of the technology from home. [Whatever Pepper may feel about Tony's obsessiveness, it certainly has it's benefits. He's already had JARVIS create a map--of their side of things. The land beyond the Mirrors is another matter, and her eyes light up.] Oh, you have a map of that? That would be incredibly useful. Would you mind if I borrowed it for a bit?

[Since she's aware that he must have worked hard on it, Pepper will take care of the map during the short time needed to scan it, provided he agrees.

When he points out that he's been there the longest, Pepper offers a sympathetic smile.] That really does sound like unfortunate bragging rights. How long have you been here? [To get a frame of reference; she's met at least one person who's broken the year mark, but the majority of people she knows haven't even been there a month.]

[pottershotter]

[He's visibly a little surprised by the fact that she seems brand new and already has a map almost done, but he's more baffled than anything, really. putting together a map in such a short amount of time seems damn near impossible to him, and while his ego is a little bruised, he's more curious than anything.]

...Err, sure. Actually, I can make you a quick copy and you can just keep it. Otherwise it might get a bit...complicated. But you've really got one of this side made already? Could I see it sometime?

[His master copy is all part of one large map of both sides of Wonderland, and you use a wand to operate it, so it gets a bit problematic for Muggles to use. He'd worry about making Muggle-friendly copies once he got his own done, but he's thrown together a Muggle-friendly Mirror Side map once before and he's more than happy to do it again.]

It'll be three years this...June, I think. [So in about a month. Lovely. he sounds absolutely thrilled, except no, not really.] There are a small handful of other people who've been here about that long too, but most people are in and out a bit quicker than that.

[Video]

[cursebreaking]

He's here -- in a manner of speaking.

[Some version of him, anyway. She likes the current Dean as well as the last one, but this one doesn't remember distributing pamphlets or heading the resistance or any of that. Makes for an odd disconnect here and there.]

It's a good idea. I'd be willing to help. Been here a little over a year now.

[Oh, how time flies.]

Not sure about the gallery. Think that might be Buckingham's doing.

[Seems like his kind of thing. Oh, right, introductions--]

I'm Emma, by the way. Emma Swan.

Re: [Video]

[handing]

In a manner of speaking? [That’s an odd way of putting things, which says a great deal given the context. Hopefully the woman will elaborate, but even if she doesn’t, Pepper still thinks it beneficial to get a name.] Would you mind telling me who he is?

[Regardless, she offers her help in other ways, and Pepper smiles appreciatively.] Thank you. I’m glad that people have been so willing to volunteer thus far. [There’s a fair bit of information, and though Pepper takes it all in she doesn’t actually seem to be taking notes through much of it. JARVIS is handling that end, although when Emma talks about the gallery, Pepper does pause a moment to scribble down his name.]

Buckingham? Like the place. [Although it’s not the oddest name she’s heard, it still stands out. Either way Pepper will have to get in touch. At present, however, she sets down the pen in favor of looking back to Emma.]

It’s nice to meet you—at least in the sense of being polite. [Less so in regards to circumstances.] So you’ve been here over a year. That’s an unfortunately long time.

[Video]

[cursebreaking]

Dean Winchester. He won't remember having written it, though. You've already gotten the rundown, so I'm sure you've heard that people come and go, right?

[It's usually one of the first things that gets mentioned.]

He's one of them. Recently returned, head scrubbed clean of all things Wonderland.

[She feels bad for him, really, and anyone else who comes back after going on sabbatical -- people have all kinds of expectations despite the fact that the person in question simply doesn't remember.]

You got it. Like the palace. Except I'm pretty sure he's French.

[She smiles grimly.]

It's been rough, but there are some people who've been here even longer. Two, even three years. Not for lack of trying to get the hell out.

video;

[airshipswank]

[ Switching idly from transmission to transmission over a glass of wine Buckingham very closes this particular feed: New arrivals may always pique the duke's interest, attractive new arrivals especially so, but statistics are poison to his wandering attention, and he decidedly lacks the patience to provide anyone with an extensive History of Wonderland.

Yet he catches her last words just on time, and in the blink of an eye Buckingham is all ears again. Setting aside his cup of wine he dons the widest smile, and transmits his response: ]

Miss Potts, you've inquired about my gallery! Such a very minor project, truly, but I expand it to the best of this land's ability, and I'm... delighted to hear you approve.

Re: video;

[handing]

[Huh. He doesn't sound French.

But Pepper is still glad to have him respond regardless. She smiles as she starts her reply, eager to talk to the person who had the idea for that project.]

Well, even if it's minor, I'm happy it's here. I've curated a private collection for years, and it's made me pretty fond of art in general. [She just won't mention that donation mess Tony inflicted on her that one time.]

What made you decide to start it?

[airshipswank]

My own weakness, I suppose I should say. I found myself ever so homesick for my own gallery, the sight's always cheered me so, and when I couldn't bear to miss it any longer I thought why... not make room of our infinite space, to bring some small part of it back?

[ No doubt she understands the sentiment, the treasured beauty of such a fine collection, kindred spirit that she must be. ]

A great number of the exhibits were purchased from our vendors, I'm told they replicate rather famous pieces, but we have... our own artists in Wonderland as well, some of them are even quite the talents.